What to do if Trailer Shackles are Flipping

Question

Question:

I have a tandem axle trailer and when we haul it empty the shackles on one of the axles will always flip. Can I get some help figiuring out what I need to do to fix this?

asked by: Ted

0

Expert Reply:

Generally the issue when shackles flip when hauling empty is that they are too short. So I recommend measuring them from center hole to center hole and assuming they are less than 3 inches, replacing them with longer ones, the 3-1/8" Shackle Strap # TRSL313 or 3-1/2" Shackle Strap # TRSL350.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 2

The hanger spacing for the #APT4 with 25-1/8" leaf springs is 27-3/4" on center. I have attached a drawing for your reference.

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Answer 3

When using the trailer suspension hanger kit part #APT4 with a leaf spring that is 26 inches long like the part #e94SR you will want to have the hangers spaced 30-1/4 inches apart.

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Answer 4

Yes, the front, rear, and center leaf spring hangers can all be the same length. We actually offer kits that come with everything you need including the same length leaf spring hangers for the front, rear, and center. I recommend the Tandem-Axle…

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Answer 5

If the shackles are flipping the wrong direction frequently that typically means the leaf springs are too short, the hanger spacing is too big, or the shackles are too short. Most of the time it's somebody changed leaf springs and just went with…

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Answer 6

You want leaf spring shackles to be at a slight angle as that prevents the springs from flipping around to the other side of the equalizer over uneven terrain. I attached a picture that shows what the angle is typically like.

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Answer 7

The center hangers in the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit #APT8 that you recently purchased are indeed longer. This is actually pretty common for tandem axle trailers. The reason for the extra length on the middle hanger is related to the shackle…

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Answer 8

If the trailer is not loaded then you will often see equalizers that are tilted like yours. It does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with the suspension. If the springs are worn out then the trailer would easily bottom out. If that is not…

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Answer 9

I attached a picture that shows the proper position of shackles and equalizers on trailer suspension. Sometimes the shackle will flip up but if you jack up the trailer by the axle that's got the shackle flipped you can usually get it to flip back…

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Answer 10

The position of the axle should dictate the position of the springs and hangers not the other way around. With that being said, in order to determine proper placement of the hangers you will want to take the the distance between the two eye holes on…

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Answer 11

Longer hangers will not prevent the shackles from flipping. If this has always happened or if the springs are new then they are too short. If it happens only when your trailer is empty then not enough weight/tension to keep shackles in place so they…

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Answer 12

We only have the #TRSL350 for a shackle that is 3-1/2 inches long from hole center to hole center. Typically these don't wear out as quickly as you described. Are you tightening the shackle bolts really tight which is causing added friction…

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What to do if Trailer Shackles are Flipping

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